Adjusting Rocker Arms ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

82BlackBeast · 04-16-2003, 08:34 AM

Hey guys, I've got a rocker arm or two that are starting to "clatter" a little bit. Could someone give me a step by step on what to do to adjust them? Last time they were done I had a couple people there to guide me through it. I just want to make sure I don't miss anything. It seemed really simple to me at the time but like I said I just want to make sure I don't screw it up.

*Randy70C-10* · 04-16-2003, 09:46 AM

Some people do it with the engine running, just tighten until they don't clatter. If you want to go back through them, get #1 piston at TDC (compression stroke). back off the rockers until you can spin the pushrods freely with your fingers. Then tighten back down while spinning the pushrod until you start to feel some tension. Turn another 1/2 turn and go to the next one. Once these two are done, turn the engine 1/4 turn and do #8 the same way, then another 1/4 turn and do #4. (see where this is going?) 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 Good luck!

BigRed · 04-16-2003, 10:21 AM

I did it with engine running and a modified valve cover (slot cut out in center to get to rocker bolts). However, it still made a mess. In my case, that wasn't a big deal, but in your case I would do it the clean way! I'll see if I can find the step-by-step.

Ol' Grey · 04-16-2003, 10:25 AM

If you do it with the engine running get a set of rocker arm clips. I picked mine up at CarQuest for about $15. Buy two sets if you want to take both valve covers off at once.

The clips keep oil from squirting all over when the engine is running.

BigRed · 04-16-2003, 10:29 AM

Here's a good link. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...justing+rocker

82BlackBeast · 04-17-2003, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the info guys. The last time they were done it was with the engine running so I think I'll invest in clips you mentioned to try and keep me from making a mess. Thanks again.

04-16-2003, 10:21 AM	#3
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	I did it with engine running and a modified valve cover (slot cut out in center to get to rocker bolts). However, it still made a mess. In my case, that wasn't a big deal, but in your case I would do it the clean way! I'll see if I can find the step-by-step. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

04-16-2003, 10:29 AM	#5
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Here's a good link. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...justing+rocker __________________ Scott Shelbourne

04-17-2003, 10:17 PM	#6
82BlackBeast Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 111	Thanks for the info guys. The last time they were done it was with the engine running so I think I'll invest in clips you mentioned to try and keep me from making a mess. Thanks again. __________________ Matt '82 Chevy SWB

04-16-2003, 08:34 AM	#1
82BlackBeast Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 111	Adjusting Rocker Arms ? Hey guys, I've got a rocker arm or two that are starting to "clatter" a little bit. Could someone give me a step by step on what to do to adjust them? Last time they were done I had a couple people there to guide me through it. I just want to make sure I don't miss anything. It seemed really simple to me at the time but like I said I just want to make sure I don't screw it up. __________________ Matt '82 Chevy SWB

04-16-2003, 09:46 AM	#2
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Some people do it with the engine running, just tighten until they don't clatter. If you want to go back through them, get #1 piston at TDC (compression stroke). back off the rockers until you can spin the pushrods freely with your fingers. Then tighten back down while spinning the pushrod until you start to feel some tension. Turn another 1/2 turn and go to the next one. Once these two are done, turn the engine 1/4 turn and do #8 the same way, then another 1/4 turn and do #4. (see where this is going?) 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 Good luck!

04-16-2003, 10:25 AM	#4
Ol' Grey A work in progress Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marion, NC Posts: 104	If you do it with the engine running get a set of rocker arm clips. I picked mine up at CarQuest for about $15. Buy two sets if you want to take both valve covers off at once. The clips keep oil from squirting all over when the engine is running. __________________ Marc Cook 1986 Chevy Silverado C-10 LWB Gunmetal Grey Metallic 5.0L HO, 700-R4, '73 12-bolt rear Long tube headers, 2.5" dual exhaust dumped before the axle. 1988 GMC Sierra SLE 4WD 5.7L, 700-R4, stock everything 6000LB winch



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